The City of Greater Geraldton’s Airport Technology Park is fast becoming a reality with Stage 1 devlopment work starting recently on the more than $5 million project.

Construction of the new Avro Dr from Deepdale Rd is underway, and the City of Greater Geraldton Manager Commercial Property Development, Brian Robartson, said it’s exciting to see this major project start to take shape.

“Stage 1 is expected to take about 16 weeks and it’s very rewarding to see this project get off the ground,” he said.

The City is using all local contractors with WBHO Civil as principal contractor and Aurecon as project manager.

“Stage 1 construction includes headworks and installation of underground utility services, including power, water and telecommunications,” Mr Robartson said. “It will deliver a new sealed road to be known as Avro Drive, acknowledging the Avro Anson aircraft that operated from the airport during WWII, and will deliver drainage upgrades along Gordon Garrett Dr leading to the airport terminal.

“A new water main will extend to the airport terminal precinct. These works may cause some disruption to users of Gordon Garrett Dr in the short term,” he said.

Development of the Airport Technology Park has been made possible through Royalties for Regions funding of $2.755 million through the Mid West Development Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan, with $1.378 million in 2012-13; and a further $1.378 million in 2013-14. The balance of the project costs will be City of Greater Geraldton loan funded.

Mr Robartson said the Stage 1 technology park works should be completed before construction starts on the first phase of Durack Institute of Technology’s Resource Sector Training facility, separately funded by Royalties for Regions for the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

“The State is acquiring the site from the City for the training facility and work is expected to start in November,” he said.

“The City welcomes Durack as the foundation resident of the Airport Technology Park.

“The main outcome from Stage 1 of the project is that the City will be able to release for long-term leasing about 18 lots of around 2,000 square meters along the first part of Avro Dr for technology businesses,” said Mr Robartson.

For information or any expression of interest on leasing lots at the technology park, contact Brian Robartson on 9956 6661.